4 DIY Plumbing Repairs for Small Problems

Whether it’s a running toilet, dripping faucet, or the dreaded clogged garbage disposal, many people put off tackling plumbing repairs—often opting to call in a professional for a small problem. The experts at Bardi—who have been serving the greater Atlanta area since 1989—want to share with you four DIY plumbing repairs you can do yourself with just a little knowledge and smidge of courage.

Repair a running toilet.

There are many causes for a running toilet including a bad fill valve, an overflow pipe at the improper height, or even a worn-out toilet handle. But one of the most common running toilet issues to plague the homeowner is a worn or improperly sized flapper. Easy to find at any hardware store and simple to install, the flapper can be replaced in a matter of minutes.

Shut off the water by closing the valve usually located behind the toilet, and then flush the toilet so that the tank drains completely. Remove and replace the old flapper by following the step-by-step instructions included in the packaging. Once completed, you should notice the absence of water draining into the bowl.

Repair a dripping compression faucet.

Perhaps the most irritating of all plumbing problems, the dripping faucet can not only cost you money on your water bill, it can also drive you insane. The culprit behind most leaky compression faucets is the seat washer. To replace a seat washer, pry off the decorative cap on the handle and remove the handle screw. Next, pull off the handle, and using a crescent wrench, unscrew the packing nut. By unscrewing the stem, you can replace the seat washer which is held in place by a brass screw. Be sure to coat the new washer with plumber’s grease.

Unclog your garbage disposal.

Before you begin, make sure to turn off power to the garbage disposal. Next, locate the Allen wrench on the motor (One should be already attached or nearby unless it’s been misplaced), and turn it back and forth to dislodge any food particles or objects that may be lodged within.

Once this is completed and the blades turn freely, pour in ¼ cup of baking soda and then 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to sit for five minutes. At five minutes, pour in a pot of boiling water and allow it to remain in the disposal for another five minutes and then flush with water from the faucet.

Unclog your bathtub drain.

A common and often hairy problem, the clogged bathtub drain can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. The first thing you’ll do is remove the strainer and stopper, and then clean any gunk and hair found on or around them. Next, snake the clog with a drain stick—a flexible tool with a snag on the end—to pull out any hair in the drain trap.

After you remove any hair that can be reached with the drain stick, repeat the baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water method detailed in the above garbage disposal tip. Avoid using over-the-counter products whenever possible, as these can harm and corrode pipes.

While these tips are far from comprehensive, they highlight a few of the more common DIY plumbing repair issues. The experts at Bardi are ready to step up when you’re ready to step out, so If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed or discover the problem to be more in-depth, call Bardi at (770) 263-9300, email us at bardiservice@bardi.com, or chat with a representative in the chat box to schedule service today!